Chief Executive of E.ON UK to lead University’s governing body

Aston University alumnus, Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Council.

Dr Golby received a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering and also gained his PhD at Aston. He was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University in 2007.

As Chief Executive of E.ON UK, Dr Golby has led the company through two multi-billion pound acquisitions to become an organisation with an £8.5bn turnover and 16,000 staff.

He is also an Executive Committee Member of E.ON AG – the parent company of the UK operation – and a non-executive director of AEA Technology. With E.ON UK’s headquarters located in Coventry, Dr Golby is very much in tune with the West Midlands’ regional agenda and the important role for universities.

Paul Golby commented: ‘Aston University is a place close to my heart, having studied here - twice. Aston gave me a great start to my career. I am honoured to be asked to be the new Pro-Chancellor. It gives me the opportunity to give something back, and hopefully help to inspire the next generation of graduates.

‘I hope that I can help the University as it strives to achieve the ambitious aims of the Aston 2012 strategy, and I look forward to working with fellow members of Council and colleagues in the University, to guide Aston towards these goals.’

Dr Golby is Aston’s seventh Pro-Chancellor. He replaces Geoffrey John, the former Chairman of the Meat and Livestock Commission, who steps down after five years as Pro-Chancellor, and nine in total on Council.

Professor Julia King, Aston’s Vice-Chancellor, said: ‘We are sorry to be saying goodbye to Geoffrey as Pro-Chancellor. He has made an enormous contribution to Aston’s development over many years and it will be a real challenge to find an appropriate way to recognise this. At the same time, I am excited to welcome Paul Golby as the new Pro-Chancellor. His lifelong connection with Aston makes him passionate and knowledgeable supporter of the University, and with his experience in the power generation sector and particularly leading E.ON UK, he has the skills and drive needed to help Aston flourish.’

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Dr Golby officially takes up the position of Pro-Chancellor on 1st January 2009 and his term of office will run initially until 31st July 2012. • The Pro-Chancellorship is an unpaid, voluntary role. The main duties of the Pro-Chancellor are to provide leadership to the Council and to chair Council meetings.• Council is the governing body which oversees the University’s strategic direction and development. The Council has 26 full members, comprising: 14 lay members (non-Aston employees, at least one of whom must be an Aston graduate), 10 staff and 2 student representatives.